Araiza5Graphics

hello everyone, this is my first thread on this board... We (my brother and I) have been doing vinyl declas for a few years using a lynx 24" plotter, using the LXI software from Signware house version 6.6v.1 I know they have a new version and undecided on whether or not to upgrade. Our PC that we used crashed and died. The software runs on windows XP and all the new laptops are either windows Vista or are Macs. I have DL some trials, but like the smart guy I am, i didn't realize I hand no parrell port on my laptop...

So my question to you all is:
1. Do I upgrade to the new version?
2. find a Parrell port adapter for the laptop?
3. find an old PC and load XP to it?

any recomendation would be great.

thank you much

Leon

 

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MancUK

A Parrell port? do you mean parallel port (printer port)? I didn't think they were used much nowadays? Does your cutter not use a USB interface?

Have you tried running compatibility mode within Vista to see if the software works?

Using Windows Vista Compatibility Mode :: the How-To Geek

If not, you don't need another computer to load XP. You could dual boot both XP and Vista, i.e Vista and XP on the same pc.

Dual Boot Vista and XP with Vista already installed - SysChat

However, before considering this, be sure to back everything up first.

Also, I'd only upgrade to the new version of that software if it offers you anything new that you need. Some newer versions of software don't offer much.

 

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DecalGuy

Leon,

I've been through the same thing new computer didn't have serial/parallel ports. Here is a link to some of the best usb to serial and usb to parallel adapters Sewell Direct - USB, FireWire, DVI, HDMI, Serial, Parallel, Adapters, Cables and More I tried all the $40 Belkin adapters none worked, the sewell adapters work with win 98 up to Vista and even Vista 64 in my case.

Mike

 

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veedub3

I too had the very same problem. The MOBO in my PC went bad, I got a new computer with Vista and did not realize the compatibility problems I would face, and the New PC did not come with a serial port for the cutter. I tried all the adapters the cutter manufacturer suggested but when reading the fine print the adapters were not compatible with Vista. (Well one claimed that it was but the cutter would not cut with it installed) I grew tired of the chase so I purchased a internal serial port and installed it in the New PC and my issue was solved. It took less than 10 minutes to install and as soon as I tested the cutter it started working.

I got the serial port from Tiger Direct for $24.00.

Katrina

 

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Araiza5Graphics

Thank you all for your help... you guys ae the best.. Yes, it has a USB port on the cutter, but accordeing to signwarehouse.com, it is not for transfering data to the cutter... go figure..

I am thinking of trying the USB to parallel adabter... looks like it is under $20... I am also thinking of seeing if the software can be ran with the Windows XP compatibility mode and see what I can do...

I have put out a text message to all my friends to see if any of them have an old PC lying around that they aren't using... may be i can format it and use it just to run the cutting software and may be one of my art programs..

again, THANK YOU ALL

Leon

 

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